Review: Hestia Luxury Apartments, Ippokratous 35, Athens, Greece
Hestia Luxury Apartments on Ippokratous 35 perfectly blends modern elegance with the ancient charm of Athens. These spacious, serviced apartments offer a much-needed escape from the bustling city, providing a comfortable retreat after a day of exploring.
A Warm Welcome
Upon entering, we were greeted with a note explaining that Hestia, in Greek mythology, was the goddess of home and hearth. This sentiment aligns with the apartments’ aim to make guests feel at home—a mission they accomplished effortlessly.
The self-check-in process was hassle-free. We received a keycode on the day of our arrival which allowed us to access our apartment swiftly. This straightforward check-in was ideal for us, enabling us to quickly settle in and head out for dinner at a nearby Greek restaurant.
The Apartment
We stayed in a two-bedroom Superior Apartment, featuring a bright and airy open-plan living area. The air conditioning was a welcome relief from the summer heat. While there’s a fully-equipped kitchenette with a fridge, microwave, hob, dishwasher, kettle, and coffee maker, we found the prospect of dining at the nearby restaurants more appealing. A tray of complimentary teas and coffees and the option to order breakfast in bed added a touch of convenience.
At one end of the living space, a sofa and television with multiple international channels created a cozy and relaxing area, despite the apartment’s central location.
The two bedrooms featured Queen size beds and fitted wardrobes, along with a safe for securing valuables. The bathroom, though compact, was well-equipped with a rainfall shower, washbasin, and WC. Generous Olive Era care products were provided, made from extra virgin Cretan olive oil.
Facilities
One of the standout features is the rooftop terrace, offering panoramic views of Athens, including an unobstructed view of the Acropolis. The terrace is an idyllic spot for morning coffee or admiring the Parthenon illuminated at night. There’s also a laundry room with washing machines and dryers.
Conveniently situated above a traditional Greek restaurant, Nikitas, which serves Greek dishes and pizzas, the apartment is also opposite a gym.
Location
Nestled in the Exarcheia neighborhood, close to the Kolonaki and Akadimia districts, the apartments are in a lively yet tranquil area. Nearby green spaces include Strefi Hill, Pedion tou Areos, and the prominent Lycabettus Hill. This area, favored by students and academics due to its proximity to universities and cultural institutions, offers numerous dining options. We explored the city mostly on foot, finding the Acropolis a pleasant two-kilometer stroll away. Public transportation is easily accessible with buses and the Panepistimio metro station just 400 meters away.
Additional Perks
In addition to the welcome note, we appreciated the complimentary bottle of wine and the fridge stocked with bottled water—a must in the 35°C heat. A QR code in the apartment connected us to the Hestia Concierge Service via WhatsApp, where the staff were prompt and helpful with our queries.
Cost
– Deluxe Apartments start from €117 per night.
– Superior Apartments, like ours, start from €133 per night.
– Apartments with balconies start from €149 per night.
The Highlight
While we loved the location and the privacy, the rooftop view was the undeniable highlight. Often, we had this spectacular space to ourselves, making the experience even more special.
Final Verdict
Hestia Luxury Apartments captures the essence of its namesake, offering a home-like environment in the vibrant city of Athens. The combination of modern comforts and spacious accommodations ensures a memorable and enriching stay.
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Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson is the Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has over 30 years of experience in the travel industry. He has been honored with numerous awards, including the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. His blog is recognized as one of the world’s best for luxury travel by The Telegraph.